The world of streaming services can be a confusing landscape. With so many platforms vying for our attention and subscription dollars, it’s easy to get lost in the details of which services offer what, and whether they come bundled with other popular subscriptions like Amazon Prime. One of the most common questions that arises is: Is Discovery Plus free with Amazon Prime? The short and definitive answer is no. However, the relationship between these two giants is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, so let’s explore the topic in detail.
Understanding the Streaming Landscape: Discovery Plus and Amazon Prime
Before diving into the specifics, let’s first understand what Discovery Plus and Amazon Prime each offer as standalone services. This will help clarify why they are distinct entities despite some overlap.
What is Discovery Plus?
Discovery Plus is a dedicated streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery. It houses a vast library of content from various networks within the Discovery family, including Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, ID (Investigation Discovery), and more. It’s a haven for fans of reality TV, documentaries, lifestyle shows, and true crime.
Discovery Plus offers a wide range of original content, as well as access to the back catalogs of its associated networks. It’s a one-stop shop for anyone who enjoys unscripted entertainment. The platform offers different subscription tiers, including ad-supported and ad-free options.
What is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is a membership program that offers a multitude of benefits, with free and fast shipping on eligible items being the most widely recognized perk. However, Amazon Prime includes much more than just shipping.
Amazon Prime members gain access to Prime Video, a streaming service featuring a diverse selection of movies, TV shows, and original content. This includes popular series like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Boys,” and a growing library of films.
Prime also includes Amazon Music Prime, Prime Reading, free photo storage, and other benefits.
The Relationship Between Amazon Prime and Discovery Plus
While Discovery Plus isn’t included for free with Amazon Prime, there’s a crucial relationship between the two: Discovery Plus is available as a Prime Video Channel.
Discovery Plus as an Amazon Prime Video Channel
Amazon Prime Video Channels are add-on subscriptions that Prime members can purchase to access specific streaming services directly through the Prime Video app. Think of them as mini-subscriptions within the Amazon ecosystem.
This means that while you won’t get Discovery Plus for free with your Prime membership, you can subscribe to it as an add-on channel. This offers a few key advantages:
- Convenience: You can access Discovery Plus content through the familiar Prime Video interface.
- Centralized Billing: You can manage your Discovery Plus subscription and payments through your Amazon account.
- Integrated Viewing Experience: You can watch Discovery Plus content alongside other Prime Video content.
How to Subscribe to Discovery Plus Through Amazon Prime Video Channels
Subscribing to Discovery Plus through Amazon Prime Video Channels is a straightforward process:
- Log in to your Amazon Prime account: Access your account through the Amazon website or the Prime Video app.
- Navigate to Prime Video Channels: Find the “Channels” section within the Prime Video app or website.
- Search for Discovery Plus: Use the search bar to find “Discovery Plus” within the list of available channels.
- Subscribe: Click on the Discovery Plus channel and follow the prompts to subscribe. You’ll typically be offered a free trial period.
- Start Watching: Once subscribed, you can access Discovery Plus content directly through the Prime Video app.
Cost Considerations: Standalone vs. Amazon Prime Video Channel
When deciding whether to subscribe to Discovery Plus as a standalone service or through Amazon Prime Video Channels, consider the cost and convenience factors.
Discovery Plus offers different subscription tiers, usually an ad-supported version and an ad-free version. The prices may vary slightly depending on the region.
Subscribing through Amazon Prime Video Channels generally mirrors the pricing of the standalone Discovery Plus subscription. The key difference is the billing and access point. You pay through your Amazon account and access the content through the Prime Video app.
It’s always a good idea to compare the latest pricing information on both the Discovery Plus website and the Amazon Prime Video Channels page to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Sometimes, promotional offers may be available on one platform but not the other.
Why Isn’t Discovery Plus Included for Free with Amazon Prime?
The reason Discovery Plus isn’t included for free with Amazon Prime boils down to business and licensing agreements.
- Independent Streaming Services: Discovery Plus and Amazon Prime Video are independent streaming services owned by separate companies. Amazon doesn’t own Discovery, nor does Discovery own Amazon.
- Content Licensing: Bundling streaming services requires complex negotiations regarding content licensing and revenue sharing. These deals are often costly and may not be mutually beneficial for all parties involved.
- Competitive Landscape: The streaming market is highly competitive. Companies often prefer to maintain their own standalone services to control their content and revenue streams.
Alternatives to Consider: Other Streaming Bundles and Deals
While Discovery Plus isn’t free with Amazon Prime, there are other streaming bundles and deals to explore that might offer better value depending on your viewing preferences.
- Bundling with Mobile Plans: Some mobile carriers offer streaming service subscriptions as part of their plans. Check with your provider to see if they offer Discovery Plus or other streaming services as part of a bundle.
- Special Promotions: Keep an eye out for special promotions and discounts offered by Discovery Plus or Amazon Prime Video. These promotions may offer temporary price reductions or bundled deals.
- Other Streaming Bundles: Explore other streaming bundles that may include services you’re interested in. For example, some bundles include Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus at a discounted price.
Making the Right Choice for Your Streaming Needs
Ultimately, the best way to decide whether to subscribe to Discovery Plus through Amazon Prime Video Channels or as a standalone service is to consider your individual needs and preferences.
- Content Preferences: Do you primarily watch content from Discovery-owned networks? If so, Discovery Plus is a great option. Do you watch a wider range of content from different sources? If so, a broader streaming service or bundle might be a better fit.
- Budget: Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to spend on streaming services each month.
- Convenience: Do you prefer to manage all your streaming subscriptions through a single platform like Amazon Prime Video?
- Features: Do you need specific features like ad-free viewing or offline downloads?
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision about which streaming options are right for you. Remember to always compare prices and look for promotional offers to get the best possible value.
Is Discovery Plus included as a free perk with an Amazon Prime subscription?
No, Discovery Plus is not included for free with an Amazon Prime subscription. Amazon Prime offers a wide range of benefits, including free shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and more, but a Discovery Plus subscription is a separate service requiring its own subscription fee. You will need to subscribe to Discovery Plus directly to access its content.
While Discovery Plus isn’t free with Prime, you can access Discovery Plus through Amazon Prime Video Channels. However, this still requires a separate subscription to Discovery Plus, which is billed through your Amazon account, making it easier to manage your subscriptions in one place. This convenience does not negate the need for a paid Discovery Plus subscription.
How can I watch Discovery Plus on Amazon Prime Video?
To watch Discovery Plus content on Amazon Prime Video, you need to subscribe to Discovery Plus as a Prime Video Channel. This means going to the Prime Video section on Amazon, searching for Discovery Plus, and then subscribing through Amazon’s platform. This adds Discovery Plus as one of your Prime Video Channels.
Once subscribed, you can access the Discovery Plus channel within Prime Video and watch all the content available on Discovery Plus. The billing will be handled through your Amazon account, streamlining the payment process. However, ensure you are paying for the Discovery Plus subscription on top of your existing Amazon Prime membership.
What are the benefits of subscribing to Discovery Plus through Amazon Prime Video Channels?
Subscribing to Discovery Plus through Amazon Prime Video Channels offers the convenience of managing all your video subscriptions in one place. You can access and pay for Discovery Plus directly through your Amazon account, simplifying your billing process and reducing the number of different accounts you need to manage.
Another benefit is the streamlined access to Discovery Plus content within the familiar Amazon Prime Video interface. You can easily switch between Prime Video content and Discovery Plus shows without needing to switch apps or devices, providing a unified entertainment experience. Plus, you can sometimes find exclusive deals or bundled offers when subscribing through Amazon.
What is the cost of a Discovery Plus subscription through Amazon Prime Video Channels?
The cost of a Discovery Plus subscription through Amazon Prime Video Channels is typically the same as subscribing directly through Discovery Plus. The pricing structure and available subscription tiers (such as ad-supported and ad-free options) are usually consistent across both platforms. The advantage lies in the billing convenience.
You should always check the current pricing on Amazon Prime Video Channels and compare it to the Discovery Plus website to ensure you are getting the best deal. Prices can vary due to promotional offers or changes in subscription plans. While the price is usually consistent, it’s a good practice to verify the costs before subscribing.
Does subscribing to Discovery Plus through Amazon Prime Video Channels affect the content I can access?
No, subscribing to Discovery Plus through Amazon Prime Video Channels doesn’t typically affect the content you can access. You should have access to the same library of shows, documentaries, and exclusive content that you would get if you subscribed directly through the Discovery Plus website or app.
However, it’s always a good idea to double-check that the content you’re interested in is available on the Prime Video Channels version of Discovery Plus, especially if there are any specific shows or features that are particularly important to you. Generally, the content offering is identical.
Can I cancel my Discovery Plus subscription if I subscribed through Amazon Prime Video Channels?
Yes, you can cancel your Discovery Plus subscription even if you subscribed through Amazon Prime Video Channels. The cancellation process is handled through your Amazon account settings. You’ll need to go to your Prime Video Channels subscriptions and cancel the Discovery Plus subscription from there.
Be sure to cancel before your next billing cycle to avoid being charged for another month. The cancellation will take effect at the end of your current billing period. Remember to confirm the cancellation to ensure that the recurring charges have been stopped.
If I already have a Discovery Plus subscription, can I link it to Amazon Prime Video?
Unfortunately, you cannot directly link an existing Discovery Plus subscription to Amazon Prime Video in a way that eliminates the need to manage separate accounts or combine billing. If you wish to access Discovery Plus through Prime Video Channels, you will likely need to cancel your existing Discovery Plus subscription and subscribe again through Amazon.
While you might be able to use your Discovery Plus credentials to log in to the Discovery Plus app on an Amazon Fire TV device, this is separate from subscribing through Prime Video Channels. Subscribing through Prime Video Channels provides the billing and access benefits within the Prime Video platform, but it requires a separate subscription managed through Amazon.